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Southern Shortfin Eel (2023)

Anguilla australis

  • Victorian Fisheries Authority (Victorian Fisheries Authority)
  • Andrew Bartleet (Inland Fisheries Service, Tasmania)
  • Karina Hall (New South Wales Department of Primary Industries)
  • Thomas Hart (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland)
  • Gabrielle Henderson (Inland Fisheries Service, Tasmania)
  • Klaas Hartmann (Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania)

Date Published: June 2023

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Summary

Southern Shortfin Eel occurs in coastal streams of eastern Australia, from southern QLD to the Murray River (SA). A distinct sub-species is also found in New Zealand and islands of the western Pacific. There is currently no cross-jurisdictional stock assessment for Southern Shortfin Eel in Australia, so this assessment is presented at the jurisdictional level. Southern Shortfin Eel is classified as undefined in QLD and NSW, and sustainable in VIC and TAS.

Photo: Museums Victoria

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Stock Status Overview

Stock status determination
Jurisdiction Stock Stock status Indicators
New South Wales New South Wales Undefined

Catch, effort, standardised CPUE

Queensland Queensland Undefined

Catch, Effort

Tasmania Tasmania Sustainable

Catch, spatial restrictions on effort

Victoria Victoria Sustainable

Catch, Effort

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Stock Structure

Southern Shortfin Eel is widespread in coastal streams of south-eastern Australia, from the Pine River in southern Queensland to the Murray River in South Australia, including Tasmania. The species also occurs in New Zealand and western Pacific Islands [Beaumer 1996; Allen et al. 2002]. Genetic studies indicate that Shortfin Eel represents two geographically separate subspecies; Anguilla australis australis in Australia and Anguilla australis schmidtii in New Zealand and western Pacific islands [Shen and Tzeng 2007; Arai 2016]. As there is currently no cross-jurisdictional stock assessment undertaken for the shared stock, assessment of stock status is presented here at the jurisdictional level—New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria.

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Stock Status

New South Wales

In New South Wales, commercial catches of Southern Shortfin Eel are taken almost exclusively by eel trapping in the Estuary General Fishery, which is only permitted to operate in tidal waters of 75 coastal rivers and excluded from all freshwater and inland river reaches. Limited eel trapping is also permitted in a small number of nominated farm dams and coastal impoundments through section 37 permits, although these primarily target the more widely distributed Longfin Eel (Anguilla reinhardtii). In NSW, Southern Shortfin Eel is found primarily in coastal drainages east of the Great Dividing Range and in the Snowy River catchment; however, because the latter drains into east Gippsland, Victoria, it is not fished for eels in NSW.

Commercial catches of Southern Shortfin Eel have fluctuated widely, with a rapid increase in the early 1990s to a peak of 82.2 tonnes (t) in 1993–94 before decreasing to 3.2 t in 1996–97, and then increasing to a second peak of 46.8 t in 1998–99 before steadily decreasing to 4.3 t in 2005–06 [Hall 2020]. Since then, catches have remained at less than 10 t, and have been less than 1 t over the last five years [Hall 2023]. There are insufficient data in many years to form a time series of catch rates for standardisation from New South Wales waters [Hall 2020]. Reported fishing effort for the species by eel trapping also declined rapidly during the 2000s from 1,866 days in 2000–01 to less than 150 days since 2009–10 and less than 5 days per annum over the last five years [Hall 2023]. Targeted fishing for Longfin Eel still occurs in many of the estuaries where catches of Southern Shortfin Eel were historically reported. Fisher identification and reporting of the two species may not be reliable.

Recreational catches of freshwater eels are not separated according to species. The most recent estimate of the recreational harvest of combined species was approximately 2,605 eels during 2019–20, with an additional 7,369 eels caught and released [Murphy et al. 2022]. This estimate was based on a survey of Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Households, comprised of at least one fisher possessing a long-term (1 or 3 years duration) fishing licence and any other fishers resident within their household. The equivalent estimates from previous surveys in 2017–18 and 2013–14 were approximately 2,955 and 1,024 eels, with an additional 8,744 and 16,479 eels caught and released [Murphy et al. 2020]. A survey of Aboriginal cultural fishing in the Tweed River catchment identified freshwater eels as one of the main components of freshwater catches [Schnierer and Egan 2016]; however, statewide estimates of the annual Aboriginal harvest of eels in New South Wales waters are unknown. There is insufficient information to confidently classify the status of this stock.

On the basis of the information provided above, Southern Shortfin Eel in New South Wales is classified as an undefined stock.

Queensland

The Southern Shortfin (A. australis), Pacific Shortfin (A obscura) and the Longfin Eel (A. reinhardtii) all occur in Queensland rivers flowing east off the Great Dividing Range. South-east Queensland is considered the northern extent of the distribution of Southern Shortfin Eel, the Pacific Shortfin is restricted to North Queensland and Longfin Eels are common throughout eastern drainages of Queensland. Eels are taken in both commercial and limited recreational fisheries though data are not available on a species level. The target species in the commercial Queensland Eel Fishery is predominantly the Longfin Eel. The Southern Shortfin Eel is also targeted though to a negligible extent. Overall, there is insufficient information to confidently classify the status of this stock..

On the basis of the information provided above, Southern Shortfin Eel in Queensland is classified as an undefined stock.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, the freshwater eel fishery catches adult Southern Shortfin Eels (A. australis) and Longfin Eels (A. reinhardtii). The fishery is primarily focused on Southern Shortfin Eels, which typically constitute more than 95% of the harvest by weight. The commercial fishery is managed by the Inland Fishery Service (IFS) with 12 commercial fishing licences that restrict operators to geographically defined areas. Fishing is not permitted in an extensive region in Tasmania, including the World Heritage Area and 99% of rivers. Harvesting of juvenile eels is prohibited through application of a size limit. The retained commercial catch for all eel species for the 2021–22 season is recorded as 31.2 t which comprises those animals at or exceeding 300mm in length. A total catch was recorded as 56.8 t. Recreational eel fishing is limited by a bag limit, possession limit and size limit which apply to both species. 

The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) supports the fishery and the stock through annual catch of juvenile eels during their annual upstream migration and relocating these above stream structures. Eel ladders and dam bypasses to assist eel migration have continued to be developed by IFS and Hydro Tasmania. Eel catches across both species are reported to have remained consistent over decades, with most of the fluctuation in catches due to changes in the commercial fishing sector and fluctuating market demand. This indicates that the biomass of the Southern Shortfin Eel stock in Tasmania is unlikely to be depleted and recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. 

A substantial portion of Tasmania's waterways are protected from eel fishing, including those in the World Heritage Area where there are also fewer barriers to eel migration. Existing management restrictions have successfully maintained catches of both species at a consistent level (although data available to assess this are limited). This evidence indicates that the current level of fishing mortality is unlikely to cause the stock to become recruitment impaired.

On the basis of the evidence provided above, Southern Shortfin Eel in Tasmania is classified as a sustainable stock.

Victoria

The Victorian Eel Fishery is comprised of both Longfin Eel and Southern Shortfin Eel, which have different but overlapping distributions in estuarine and freshwaters east and south of the Great Dividing Range. Commercial fishing is generally confined to lower and estuarine reaches of waters that are open to fishing and predominantly targets migrating eels. The main management strategy to ensure sustainability limits the number of waters where commercial fishing is allowed. A system of closed waters where commercial eel fishing is prohibited, allows for escapement of eels during their seaward spawning migration [https://vfa.vic.gov.au/commercial-fishing/commercial-fisheries/eels accessed on 26 Feb 2024].

The Victorian Southern Shortfin Eel Fishery is managed as one stock, and supports both recreational and commercial fisheries. The status of the Victorian Southern Shortfin Eel fishery has been evaluated using catch and nominal catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the commercial eel fishery [Bell et al. 2023]. 

Since 1979–80 annual catch has been highly variable. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s annual catch ranged from 131–310 t, but thereafter declined considerably to an historic low of 32 t in 2010–11.  This decline is attributed to the Millennium Drought (2000–2011), which ended following emergence of La Niña weather conditions. Since then, annual catch has continued to vary, averaging 58 t per year with a low of 36 t in 2016–17 and a high the following year of 84 t.

Annual CPUE during normal fyke net fishing operations (excluding large scale removals of many tonnes of stocked eels with seine nets ahead of impending drought) has ranged from 0.4 to 66 kg/net-day with an overall average of 18.7 kg/net-day since 1980.  Annual CPUE declined following the Millennium Drought and since 2011-12 has been low but relatively stable, ranging from 0.4 to 17.6 kg/net-day. 

Juvenile and undersized eels (elvers and “snigs”), known as “restock”, are netted from coastal rivers and relocated to designated culture lakes (confined lakes and impoundments) in inland western Victoria for on-growing to market size under an Aquaculture Licence. This practice, which commenced in the 1960s, is dependent on access to restock eels. Productivity from culture lakes is highly susceptible to short and long term and seasonal environmental variations, particularly drought [Victorian Fisheries Authority 2017]. Since 2003 restock Southern Shortfin Eels have represented on average 14% (2.8–48%) of the total annual catch. 

There is no long-term estimate of recreational harvest of Southern Shortfin Eel in Victoria, but it is believed to be very low. In recent surveys of recreational fishing licence holders, less than 0.4% of anglers fishing in rivers and lakes preferred to catch eels and just 2.6% indicated their favourite fish to catch was eel [Australian Survey Research 2012; Australian Survey Research Pty Ltd 2018].

Eel is an important resource for some Aboriginal communities. The use of fish traps, channels and aquaculture systems (ponds and dam walls) in western Victoria dates back tens of thousands of years [Head 1989; Richards 2011].  However, no quantitative estimates of the Aboriginal harvest of eels from Victorian waters are available.

The Victorian Southern Shortfin Eel Fishery is managed using a range of input controls and at least 30% of all connected rivers, creeks and streams with a common opening to the sea are closed to commercial fishing. The eel fishery is subject to strong environmental drivers that can severely reduce productivity. Nonetheless, the above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. Furthermore, the above evidence also indicates that the current level of fishing mortality is unlikely to cause the stock to become recruitment impaired. 

On the basis of the evidence provided above, Southern Shortfin Eel in Victoria is classified as a sustainable stock.

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Biology

[Beumer 1996; Allen et al. 2002; McKinnon et al. 2002; Crook et al. 2014].

Biology
Species Longevity / Maximum Size Maturity (50 per cent)
Southern Shortfin Eel

Females: 18–35 years, 1,100 mm. Males: 14–24 years, 600 mm.

Size at migration.  Females:10–35 years, 480–1,020 mm. Males: 6–24 years, 340–600 mm

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Distributions

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Tables

Fishing methods
Queensland New South Wales Victoria Tasmania
Commercial
Traps and Pots
Various
Net
Unspecified
Recreational
Hook and Line
Line
Indigenous
Various
Management methods
Method Queensland New South Wales Victoria Tasmania
Commercial
Catch limits
Gear restrictions
Limited entry
Seasonal or spatial closures
Size limit
Size limits
Spatial restrictions
Vessel restrictions
Indigenous
Customary fishing management arrangements
Customary fishing permits
Recreational
Bag and possession limits
Bag limits
Bag/possession limits
Gear restrictions
Licence
Seasonal or spatial closures
Size limit
Size limits
Spatial closures
Catch
Queensland New South Wales Victoria Tasmania
Commercial 48.65t 56.77t
Indigenous Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Recreational Unknown 2,955 eels of mixed freshwater species (2017–18), 2,605 eels of mixed freshwater species (2019–20) Unknown Unknown

New South Wales – Commercial (Catch). Data are provided in financial years.

New South Wales – Recreational (Catch). Estimates from Murphy et al. [2020,2022], based on a survey of Recreational Fishing Licence households. Note, estimates for eels are highly uncertain, with a relative standard error of greater than 30% and based on survey data from fewer than 20 households.

New South Wales – Indigenous (Management Methods). https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing).

Queensland – Indigenous (Management Methods). for more information see https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/traditional-fishing

Queensland – Commercial (Catch). Queensland commercial and charter data have been sourced from the commercial fisheries logbook program. Further information available through the Queensland Fisheries Summary Report https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/monitoring-research/data/queensland-fisheries-summary-report 

Victoria – Indigenous (Management Methods). A person who identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is exempt from the need to obtain a Victorian recreational fishing licence, provided they comply with all other rules that apply to recreational fishers, including rules on equipment, catch limits, size limits and restricted areas. Traditional (non-commercial) fishing activities that are carried out by members of a traditional owner group entity under an agreement pursuant to Victoria’s Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 are also exempt from the need to hold a recreational fishing licence, subject to any conditions outlined in the agreement. Native title holders are also exempt from the need to obtain a recreational fishing licence under the provisions of the Commonwealth’s Native Title Act 1993.
Tasmania - Recreational (Management Methods). In Tasmania, an angling licence is required to take eels. There is a 12 fish daily bag limit for eels with a minimum size of 300 mm and a possession limit of 24 eels at any one time [IFS 2018].
Tasmania - Indigenous (Management Methods). In Tasmania, Indigenous persons engaged in traditional fishing activities in marine waters are exempt from holding recreational fishing licences but must comply with all other fisheries rules as if they were licensed. For details, see the policy document 'Recognition of Aboriginal Fishing Activities” (https://fishing.tas.gov.au/Documents/Policy%20for%20Aboriginal%20tags%20and%20alloting%20an%20UIC.pdf).

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Catch Chart

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References

  1. Allen, GR, Midgley, SH and Allen, M 2002, Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth. 394 pp.
  2. Arai, T 2016, Taxonomy and distribution. In: Biology and Ecology of Anguillid Eels (Arai, T. ed.), pp. 1-20. CRC Press, London.
  3. Australian Survey Research 2012, Improving Inland Recreational Fishing Survey Report. DPI: Fisheries Victoria. Australian Survey Research Group Pty Ltd, Ormond, Victoria. 89 pp.
  4. Australian Survey Research Group Pty Ltd, September 2018, Victorian Fisheries Authority Recreational Fishing Survey 2018
  5. Bell, JD, Ingram, BA, Gorfine, HK and Conron SD 2023, Review of key Victorian fish stocks — 2022, Victorian Fisheries Authority Science Report Series No. 38, First Edition, June 2023. VFA: Queenscliff. 85pp
  6. Beumer, JP 1996, Family Anguillidae freshwater eels. In: Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia (McDowall, R.M. ed.), pp. 39-43. Reed Pty Ltd., Chatswood.
  7. Crook, DA, Macdonald, JI, Morrongiello, JR, Belcher, CA, Lovett, D, Walker, A and Nicol, SJ 2014, Environmental cues and extended estuarine residence in seaward migrating eels (Anguilla australis). Freshwater biology 59 (8): 1710-1720.
  8. Hall, KC 2020, NSW Stock status summary 2018/19 - Southern Shortfin Eel (Anguilla australis). NSW Department of Primary Industries, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
  9. Hall, KC 2023, NSW Stock status summary 2022/23 - Southern Shortfin Eel (Anguilla australis). NSW Department of Primary Industries, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
  10. Head, L 1989, Prehistoric Aboriginal impacts on Australian vegetation: an assessment of the evidence. Australian Geographer 20(1): 37-46.
  11. Inland Fisheries Service 2018, Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishery Management Plan 2018–28
  12. McKinnon, L, Gasior, R, Collins, A, Pease, B and Ruwald, F 2002, Assessment of eastern Australian Anguilla australis and A. reinardtii glass eel stocks. In: Assessment of eastern Australian Glass Eel Stocks and Associated Eel Aquaculture. Final Report FRDC Project No. 97/312 (and No. 99/333) (Gooley, G.J. and Ingram, B.A. eds.), pp. 13-82. Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Alexandra, Australia.
  13. Murphy, JJ, Ochwada-Doyle, FA, West, LD, Stark, KE and Hughes, JM 2020, The NSW Recreational Fisheries Monitoring Program - survey of recreational fishing, 2017/18. Fisheries Final Report Series No. 158. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia
  14. Murphy, JJ, Ochwada-Doyle, FA, West, LD, Stark, KE, Hughes, JM and Taylor, MD 2020, Survey of recreational fishing in NSW, 2019/20 – Key Results. Fisheries Final Report Series No. 161. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia
  15. Purser, J, Cooper, P, Diggle, J and Ibbott, T 2014, Tasmanian Eel Industry Development and Management Plan, FRDC Project No 2012/208
  16. Richards, T 2011, A late nineteenth-century map of an Australian Aboriginal fishery at Lake Condah. Australian Aboriginal Studies 2:64-87.
  17. Schnierer, S and Egan, H 2016, Composition of the Aboriginal harvest of fisheries resources in coastal New South Wales, Australia. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 26:693-709.
  18. Shen, KN and Tzeng, WN 2007, Genetic differentiation among populations of the shortfinned eel Anguilla australis from East Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Fish Biology 70 (Suppl B): 177-190.
  19. Victorian Fisheries Authority 2017, Review of key Victorian fish stocks — 2017 Victorian Fisheries Authority Science Report Series No. 1.

Downloadable reports

Click the links below to view reports from other years for this fish.